If there are “true” winter conditions, then going on the hill is an exercise in an essentially liquid element which flows and accumulates and can be very different from walking on a cosmetic covering of white. Hence the extra skill sets in eg navigation, movement skills, and cornices and avalanche awareness. A number of years ago, just prior to York MC’s winter weekend, there was a fatal avalanche at the Chalamain Gap. That of course is a “trade route” footpath at a relatively low elevation. Some familiarity with these matters is very advisable.
